All Asia: South & Central
First LookTaliban forces launch assault on northern Afghan city of KunduzTaliban fighters launched a coordinated assault on Kunduz overnight, approaching the city from four sides and entering the city.
Peace proves elusive after clashes in Kashmir stir India-Pakistan tensionsBoth nations are concerned about projecting power – domestically, as well as to their rival. But brinkshanship could get out of hand.
First LookComparing himself to Hitler, Philippines President Duterte draws rebukesIn remarks on Friday, President Duterte likened his war on drugs to Hitler’s crimes against Jews, drawing strong criticism abroad. At home, however, many Filipinos support his harsh tactics.
At United Nations, Pakistan flags rising tension with IndiaPakistan's U.N. envoy asked to informally brief the Security Council on the country's escalating tension with neighboring India.
Afghanistan lays framework for possible peace with TalibanThe draft peace deal Afghanistan leaders signed with warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar is the country's first peace agreement since the Taliban launched their insurgency in 2001.
In Kashmir, the paintbrush becomes an alternative tool for protestTwo artists, separated by generations and their experiences of their contested homeland, share an impetus to record a season of protest and violence.
17 soldiers killed in attack at Indian army base in KashmirThe attackers, believed to be members of the Jaish-e-Mohammed militant group, came from the Pakistani side of the border and were carrying items with Pakistani markings, Indian army officials say.
Second Taliban attack in two days catches Kabul aid workers in crossfireCARE International personnel were evacuated after a suicide car bombing near their Kabul compound.
Reported death of Uzbek president launches succession speculationUzbek President Islam Karimov has died, three diplomatic sources told Reuters on Friday, leaving no obvious successor to lead the Central Asian nation of 32 million.
India faces backlash for clothing guidelines for female touristsIn an effort to curb sexual assaults, India's tourism minister has suggested that female tourists not wear skirts or walk alone at night, advice that gender equality advocates say reflects a culture of 'victim-blaming.'
In Kabul, attack on American University targets a rare oasisThe school, which opened in 2006, has symbolized a path to progress for many. Thirteen people were killed, including students, educators, and security guards.
6.8 earthquake in Myanmar felt from Thailand to BangladeshLimited damage was reported after a powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar on Wednesday.
FocusAfghans, the forgotten refugeesAfghan scholar Naser Mozaffari survived harrowing experiences in Afghanistan, Syria, and Turkey. But his asylum application in Turkey has yet to be approved.
ISIS claims responsibility for suicide bombing at Pakistan hospitalThe bomber struck as a crowd crammed into the emergency department to accompany the body of a prominent lawyer who had been killed earlier in the day.- Suicide bombing strikes Pakistani hospital as lawyers mourn colleagueThe Monday attack took place on the grounds of a government-run hospital in Quetta, in a province long hit by insurgency. At least 64 people have died from the bombing.
Indonesia arrests six over suspected Singapore attack plansSingapore is stepping up security after Indonesian police arrested six suspected Islamic State militants, whom they believe were planning an attack on the city-state.
Challenge for Nepal's new leader: balance China, IndiaEarthquake recovery and building support for the new Constitution will occupy Prachanda's agenda. But a central issue is growing India-China rivalry in the small nation.
Emirates Airline flight safely crash lands in DubaiAn Emirates Boeing 777 flight from India with 300 people on board crash landed at Dubai's main airport Wednesday. There were no fatalities and all the passengers were safely evacuated before the plane was engulfed in a fireball.
FocusTrafficked workers in India band together in hope of disrupting ugly cycleOne group is making headway by helping former slaves demand enforcement of labor protection laws and social welfare entitlements that are often ignored.
Why Indian activist Irom Sharmila is ending her 16-year hunger strikeAfter 16 years of being force-fed through a tube, Ms. Sharmila says she will break her fast in order to enter politics.
